Project "Steal J" Part 2 - 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ

If you tuned in last month to Part I of our Project Steal-J, you read about how we robbed some sucker blind out of a solid '97 4.0L TJ for under four large. Once we replaced the blown Dana 35 with a good used axle, we had a reliable daily driver. However, even with cold A/C and a powerful six-cylinder, the condition of the interior zapped any enjoyment we may have derived out of driving the Jeep.Like most older TJs, the interior of our Sport model was showing its age. With almost 10 years and 115,000 miles under the floorboards, the leather wrapping on the steering wheel was tattered, the seats had rips and squished padding, and the factory speakers were raspy and unclear. Then there was the fact that the previous owner never put the top up -- rain or shine. A fact which contributed to the carpet, soft top fabric, and plastic being so incredibly dirty, moldy, and skuzzy, we doubt if even roaches would live in it. We pored over the latest 4Wheel Drive Hardware catalog for ideas on where to go with our Wrangler's interior. Catalogs like the one 4WD Hardware puts out are invaluable tools when building your Jeep. As usual, ordering from 4WD Hardware was quick and easy, with most of the products being in stock and delivered to our door in no time. So follow along as we update and restore the interior of our TJ for comfort, convenience, and better upper-respiratory health.